Netizens seek more support for PH athletes after Carlos Yulo’s historic Olympic win
With athletes like Yulo and Hidilyn Diaz landing spots on the podium, several social media users express hope that players in individual sports would also get more attention and financial support from the government
MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos online urged authorities to allot more funds for Filipino athletes after Carlos Yulo bagged the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal in gymnastics on Saturday, August 3.
Yulo dominated the men’s artistic gymnastics floor exercise final in the Paris Olympics, becoming the second Filipino Olympic champion since weightlifting ace Hidilyn Diaz.
He scored a total of 15.000 points, dethroning Israel’s Artem Dolgopyat and Great Britain’s Jake Jarman.
With athletes like Yulo and Diaz landing spots on the podium, several social media users expressed hope that players in individual sports would also get more attention and financial support from the government.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said in August 2023 that he was “a little embarrassed” over the lack of support for Filipino athletes. He said the reward given to national players was “not commensurate” with the honor and hard work they deliver.
In 2021, Yulo vowed to bounce back as he ended his Tokyo Olympics journey without a medal. He finished at fourth place in the men’s artistic gymnastics vault final, falling short of a bronze.
But his journey is not over. The gymnast is set to compete in the vault final on Sunday, August 4, where he is aiming for another golden finish. – Rappler.com